The overall goal and mission of the TVCCA Home Again Project is to prevent people from becoming homeless and to provide assistance and guidance to return them to safe, decent housing in the community as soon as possible (no more than 45 days, preferably in less than 30 days). The Housing Navigator will work with those seeking services to identify the appropriate intervention that will resolve their current housing crisis. Through formal and informal assessment strategies, the housing navigator will evaluate homeless individuals’ housing barriers, needs and goals and develop an appropriate plan of action. This may include a housing search to identify a new rental unit, negotiation with family members to live with them, provide travel arrangements to an area where they have more natural supports (family and friends), and negotiation with landlords. Each housing solution must be crafted to suit the family or individual applicant. The Housing Navigator will work very closely with the Financial Assistance Coordinator to determine the appropriate level of financial assistance to resolve housing crises. The Housing Navigator will be responsible for follow up case management and stabilization services for a period of up to one year.

Required Skills

Bachelor’s Degree in a related field (Family Studies, Sociology, Social Work, etc.) plus three years of experience working with homeless families and/or individuals; or an Associate’s Degree in a related field plus 5 years working with homeless populations. Must possess strong communication skills and be able to communicate effectively with applicants, landlords, property managers, other community agencies and TVCCA and funding source administrations. The Housing Navigator must have the empathy to work with households experiencing homelessness. Will provide crisis intervention services. This position requires a knowledge of or ability to learn the issues facing the homeless and chronically homeless populations. Strong computer skills required. May be required to perform public speaking with community groups and other service providers. Must be organized and able to work with multiple households simultaneously. Must be able to build client files and keep them current and in a consistent manner. Must be willing to be a strong, diplomatic advocate for the clients of the TVCCA Home Again Project.

Required Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in a related field (Family Studies, Sociology, Social Work, etc.) plus three years of experience working with homeless families and/or individuals; or an Associate’s Degree in a related field plus 5 years working with homeless populations. Must possess strong communication skills and be able to communicate effectively with applicants, landlords, property managers, other community agencies and TVCCA and funding source administrations. The Housing Navigator must have the empathy to work with households experiencing homelessness. Will provide crisis intervention services. This position requires a knowledge of or ability to learn the issues facing the homeless and chronically homeless populations. Strong computer skills required. May be required to perform public speaking with community groups and other service providers. Must be organized and able to work with multiple households simultaneously. Must be able to build client files and keep them current and in a consistent manner. Must be willing to be a strong, diplomatic advocate for the clients of the TVCCA Home Again Project.